I don't understand why Apple Pay has to be individually implemented by each retailer. If the terminal is NFC-enabled why doesn't Apple Pay work automatically?
Yes, Apple Pay should work with NFC enabled terminals. (Last year, CVS pharmacies worked with Apple Pay, until NFC was disabled at all CVS locations, as mandated by company heads.)
This press releases is essentially stating that these retailers will have a policy to ensure that all locations have NFC enabled terminals. I expect this means company and franchise stores, but we'll have to wait and see.